Mariners clinch Australian title

The Central Coast Mariners have won their first Australian title in seven years after beating Western Sydney 2-0 in the A-League final.

Dutch centre-back Patrick Zwaanswijk opened the scoring with a header from the corner two minutes before the break, while Daniel McBreen completed the scoring from the penalty spot in the 68th minute of the game.

The win represents Mariners’ triumph over financial woes, as at one point in the season the club lacked finances to pay the salary to players.

Mariners’ captain John Hutchinson said: “It’s amazing. As I said to the fans a long time ago, this one’s not for us. It’s for them. We’ve got some good characters here, some fantastic players. Some good youngsters as well, and before the game I just told them that this could be the last time that we play together as a team, so let’s make it special.”

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